Pakistan Expands Security Cooperation with SCO States
Pakistan's Federal Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, held separate meetings with the interior ministers of Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Interior Ministers' Meeting in Bishkek, focusing on regional security, counterterrorism, immigration control, and law enforcement cooperation.
During his meeting with Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, both sides signed important agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation to curb illegal immigration and facilitate the repatriation of illegally residing citizens. The two countries also agreed to strengthen collaboration in combating narcotics trafficking and the spread of illicit drugs.
In a separate meeting with Tajik Interior Minister Ramazon Rahimzoda, discussions focused on the presence of terrorist camps inside Afghanistan and the growing threat posed by narcotics production. Both ministers agreed that terrorist infrastructure and drug manufacturing in Afghanistan remain serious security concerns for the entire region. They noted that approximately 25 different terrorist organizations are currently active in Afghanistan.
Mohsin Naqvi also met with Uzbekistan’s Interior Minister, Major General Aziz Tashpulatov. The two sides discussed expanding cooperation between law enforcement agencies and enhancing joint training programs. Both countries agreed to establish a working group to strengthen coordination between their interior ministries.
During talks with Kyrgyz Interior Minister Niyazbek Olan Omokanovich, both ministers agreed to increase cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Naqvi congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and thanked his counterpart for the excellent arrangements made for the SCO Interior Ministers' meeting.
In his meeting with Kazakhstan’s Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov, the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in preventing illegal immigration. They also decided to establish a joint working group between their interior ministries to promote closer collaboration.
The series of high-level meetings underscored Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships in addressing shared security challenges, combating terrorism and drug trafficking, and improving cross-border law enforcement cooperation.